Harry Reid to take on role as Ben Mitchell

Harry Reid and Steve McFadden as Ben and Phil Mitchell

EastEnders Ben Mitchell is returning to Albert Square, with newcomer Harry Reid taking over the role last played by Joshua Pascoe in 2012. 

After being banged up for killing Heather Trott in August 2012, bad boy Ben Mitchell has unfinished business with many of the Walford residents, including estranged father Phil, ex-girlfriend Lola, daughter Lexi – and Heather’s best friend Shirley… Earlier this year Phil was shocked to discover that Ben had been released from prison early but was unsuccessful in his attempts to track him down.  It came as less of a surprise to Ben’s best-friend Jay however, whom viewers discovered was in contact with him all along.

Harry Reid – who will be the fifth actor to play the role of Ben – commented: “I’m very excited to be joining EastEnders – not only because it’s a great show but also to be playing Ben, a character that is so renowned and from such an iconic family. I’m looking forward to getting started and working closely with the legendary Steve McFadden. I can’t wait to become a fully-fledged Mitchell..”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer said: “Ben’s half-Beale and half-Mitchell and Harry perfectly encapsulates both the Mitchell danger and Beale heart that make Ben such a complex character. Ben’s return to the Square is going to have big repercussions for his family, his friends – and his enemies. Plus a few residents he hasn’t even met yet…”

Harry will appear on-screen as Ben will air later this year.